The new energy equation: data, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure

GMV participated in enerTIC’s colloquium on “Renewable alternatives, prosumers and new business models: evolution of the energy trilemma from the 4D paradigm,” a meeting that brought together representatives of the energy, technology, and industry sectors to analyze the evolution of the energy system at a time of growing complexity. GMV was represented by Almudena Nieto, head of Business Development for the Energy and Utilities sector.

The conversation revealed a paradigm shift in approaches to the energy transformation. In contrast to the traditional vision based on digitalization, energy transition, and electrification as independent processes, the emerging approach sees energy, data, artificial intelligence, and digital infrastructure as part of an interdependent system. In this new era, the operation of energy systems increasingly depends on coordinated integration and management of these elements.

One of the main points of consensus was that data has become the backbone of the energy system. The increasing penetration of renewable energy, distributed generation, and demand-side electrification are making systems more variable and complex, requiring advanced monitoring, interoperability, and real-time processing capabilities. In this scenario, artificial intelligence plays a key role not only in automation, but also in improving the predictive and optimization capacity of networks, assets, and infrastructure.

The colloquium also emphasized that the effective deployment of artificial intelligence requires more than just technology. Value creation depends on its integration into operational processes, its alignment with business strategy, and, especially, on the adaptation of organizations, which is why it is essential to identify and develop real-world use cases that ground its application in specific contexts. In this regard, change management and continuous education for professionals were identified as critical factors for ensuring the real and sustainable adoption of these technologies.

Another key aspect addressed was the growing interdependence between digitalization and energy consumption. The development of digital infrastructure, the growth of data centers and the expansion of AI-powered solutions are increasing the energy demand of digital systems themselves, once again making energy availability and management a critical factor.

Given this scenario, the event highlighted the role of solutions such as active demand management, advanced analytics, digital twins, and advanced monitoring and control systems. These capabilities make it possible to anticipate behaviors, optimize operations, and strengthen energy system resilience at a time of uncertainty.

The event concluded with a shared vision on the three cornerstones that will shape the sector’s evolution: decarbonization, resilience, and collaboration. The energy transition is thus taking shape as a structural process that requires not only technological innovation, but also new models of cooperation among energy and technology companies, public institutions, and industry.